Three Whitecaps FC U-23 players named to 2013 PDL All-Western Conference team

The United Soccer Leagues (USL) Premier Development League (PDL) announced today that three Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 players have been named to the 2013 All-Western Conference team.

Defender Derrick Bassi (pictured), midfielder Bobby Jhutty and striker Niall Cousens were among the 11 players selected by vote through Western Conference team management.

Bassi, a product of the Whitecaps FC Residency program, made nine appearances for a total of 796 minutes while anchoring the ‘Caps backline.

Jhutty, also a product of the Whitecaps FC Residency program, was a rock in midfield while appearing in all 15 matches for the ‘Caps, scoring four goals and adding one assist in 1,000 total minutes.

Cousens, a University of British Columbia (UBC) graduate, led the ‘Caps U-23s with eight goals and four assists while playing 14 matches for a total of 1,040 minutes.

The 2013 PDL All-League Team will be announced on Wednesday and the finalists for Most Valuable Player, Coach of the Year, and Young (U21) Player of the Year will be announced on Thursday, with the awards presented at Saturday’s PDL Championship banquet in Austin. Goalkeeper of the Year will also be presented at the banquet.

The 2013 PDL Championship presented by Nike will kick off at 3 p.m. PT Friday when the No. 4 Victoria Highlanders FC face the No. 1 Thunder Bay Chill, followed by the No. 3 Ocean City Nor’easters at the No. 2 Austin Aztex at 5:30 p.m. PT. The winners advance to meet for the 2013 PDL Championship on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. PT.